In Conversation with Michael Stoler

David Burke, a world-renowned chef, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, describes himself as a hard worker doing something he loved, saying "school is great," but you need to "get your foot into the best kitchen you can and work hard."

Allan V. Rose, owner-CEO of AVR Realty Company, child of the depression, "singer/busboy/waiter" in the "Mountains," describes his professional journey; the necessity, some luck and his tenacity leading to Long Island's evolution and to AVR Realty today.

"It's a battle" agree Orwashers, Keith Cohen and Karako Suits, Moshe Karako discussing growing a small business. Orwashers, NY's original artisan bread seller, in 3 shops, now makes bread & pastries; Karako Suits, in 12 stores, offers its "package deal."

Kenneth Fisher, responsible for Fisher Brothers Class A real estate, discusses challenges to modernize and retrofit office buildings 55+ years old. Considering the interests of millennials, amenities, an "edgy" co-working environment is important.

Restaurateur, (Nobu-NY/London, Tribeca Grill, Bâtard), Drew Nieporent says the restaurant business was based on low rents, low wages, low food costs. Now, it's high rents & the minimum wage! Prediction: "business, at least in New York, is going to change"

Brooklyn born, Jeffrey E. Levine-40 year veteran of the real estate industry-Chair/CEO of Douglaston Development, Levine Builders, Clinton Management discusses the "perilous road" of condo building, from 2008 to today; rentals, assisted living and more.

Andrew Goldberg, CBRE Vice Chairman, discusses retail in flux: stores are closing yet Times Square retail is very strong; rents are going down, stores are smaller, and Amazon opens brick-and-mortar book stores.

Seth Ginsberg, Co-Founder of Global Healthy Living Foundation and CreakyJoints describes the differences between Rheumatoid Arthritis - an autoimmune disorder and Osteoarthritis - a degenerative, joint disease. FYI: May is Arthritis Awareness Month!

Vijay Dandapani, president of the Hotel Association of NYC, noting that 62.8+ million visitors & a good economy boost the hospitality industry. But property taxes have gone up 80%, stagnant room rates, illegal "home sharing"- and Airbnb's present threats.

Founder and co-CEO of The Briad Group, Brad Honigfeld, discusses from his point of view, the effect of government imposed regulations - the minimum wage, restrictive scheduling, paid sick leave, tip credit and more - on the business of casual dining.

The James Zadroga Act, named in memory of the NYC detective, whose death was caused by exposure on 9/11, the 9/11 Health & Compensation Legislation and the World Trade Center Health Program are discussed by attorneys Christopher Baione and Vito R. Pitta.

Guests Vito R. Pitta and Tina Ward, Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC discuss "lobbying" as government relations, advocacy, coalition building - educational work - to inform the public. Lobbying or consulting, fees, services, government regulations discussed.

Jocelyn Nager, Frank, Frank, Goldstein & Nager & Paul Neuman, Chief "Inspiration" Officer, Neuman's Kitchen-successful in business & in networking. Executive Association members, they describe networking, face-to-face meetings, how business is done today

Yearly, 60 million Americans get a check from Social Security, a robust program, known to most retirees. But, the public is NOT well informed of benefits to children, the disabled, spouses, and more, leaving $10 billion of missed support benefits.

The Cannabis Industry has generated $2 billion in sales! It's big business! Who wants to be in the cannabis industry? Everyone!! Is it coming to New York and New Jersey? It's already here: in New York for medical use; what about recreational use?

Topics discussed with Samir Taneja, MD-NYU Langone Health & NYU School of Medicine: Preventive Services Taskforce report on PSA testing, noting they are expected to reconsider their findings; the early use of MRI in diagnosis; new drugs, new treatments.

John Catsimatidis, head of the Red Apple Group, celebrating his 50th year in the supermarket industry, talks about the losses experienced by the supermarket business and the disastrous effects of internet shopping on retail. The business is changing!

William J. Pascrell, III, Princeton Public Affairs Group, discusses efforts to bring sports betting to New Jersey, arguing that "NJ wants sports betting," having approved an amendment in 2011, letting the legislature legalize betting on sporting events.

Discussing how the Tax Reform Act effects individuals & small businesses, tax experts agree: corporations get most of the benefits. Some traditional tax reductions are not acceptable; theater & dinner, sporting event & dinner-only dinner is acceptable!

Talking healthcare trends from NewYork-Presbyterian-Dr. Laura Forese, Ex. VP & COO and Daniel Barchi, Sr VP & CIO; from NYU Langone-Dr. Paul A. Testa, Chief Med Info Off & Diplomate in Clinical Informatics: Tele-Stroke/Tele-Med, technology imprint-& more.